These past two years living on residence have been life-changing. I’ve made some super close friends and some amazing memories. I would not trade this experience for the world! But after two incredible years living in this community, my friends and I are considering moving off-campus next year. I’ve decided to make a list of some of my favourite things about living on ‘res’, and a list of what I’m looking forward to if we do move out!
What I love about residence:
Proximity to School - I thoroughly enjoy being mere minutes away from my classes. 8:15’s are a little less painful when you can roll out of bed at 8am and still make it on time.
Built-In Community - Friendships form incredibly fast when you have to live together. There is always someone around if you’re looking to socialize and have some fun.
Flex-Dollars - When you pay for your meal plan, you get ‘Flex-Dollars’ which is basically free money to spend at Waves (our local coffee shop) and Dominoes Pizza!
Access to Facilities - I am able to access a full kitchen, laundry room, mailbox, media room, weight room and squash court, and printers just to name a few things, all on campus!
What I’ll Love about Off-Campus:
Freedom - Living on your own, or with a few friends, is a huge step to achieving full adult status. Getting to make your own rules and doing things the way you want to do them, who wouldn’t want that?!
Life-Skills - Living off-campus gives you the opportunity to learn how to do things on your own: paying bills, buying groceries, scheduling, cooking . . . all necessary skills for successful ‘adulting’.
Getting to Leave School - Having more of a distinction between my school and home life would be great. Sometimes you just need a break!
Commuter Lounge - The commuter lounge is one of the few places on campus that I do not regularly visit. It seems like such a nice, relaxing place to hang-out and study. And free toast: who doesn’t want free toast?
Adventure - Life is always about adventure, especially when my friends and I get together. I can only imagine what experiences we’ll share if we live together next year. This will be something new, and I can’t wait to see what will happen!
Whatever the future holds, I know my friends will be by my side to figure it all out. I suggest that if you do plan to live off-campus at some point during your university experience, that you bring a friend or two along with you! It’s more fun to figure out adulthood together, and you’ll make some great memories in the process! Living on your own is a huge change, but a recognized milestone in someone’s life. Residence has been a wonderful part of my time at Ambrose so far, and if you live on res, I hope you’ll be able to say the same. Maybe next year I can tell you all about my experience as a commuter!
Stay tuned,
Mo Hickman